MORNING MINUTES: What will make headlines today, Feb 18, 2015

Good morning. Morning Minutes is a round-up of stories that will break today and which we think you'd be interested in. It appears on weekdays, available by 7am.

Chinatown to usher in the Year of the Goat

A countdown party will be held in Chinatown this evening to usher in the Year of the Goat. The celebration will include live shows, cultural performances and culminate in a rousing display of firecrackers and fireworks. It is organised by the Kreta Ayer - Kim Seng Citizens' Consultative Committee. - ROYSTON SIM

Singapore to attend White House anti-terrorism summit

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli will lead a delegation to the first ever White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism from today to Friday. The three-day summit which takes place in the US capital this week will highlight international efforts to prevent marginalised individuals from self-radicalising and joining terrorist groups. - JEREMY AU YONG

Singapore Exchange will close at midday on Chinese New Year eve

The stock market will trade only half a day today on the eve of Chinese New Year. Trading on the Singapore Exchange will run from 9am to 1230pm. Volume is expected to be light as most investors are likely to be sidelined until the market reopens on Feb 23. - GRACE LEONG

Golfer Paula Creamer plans to bounce back from 2014 setbacks

2014 was a memorable year in many ways for American golfer Paula Creamer. The 28-year-old ended a four-year winless streak by capturing the HSBC Women’s Champions at the Sentosa Golf Club, holing an incredible 75-foot eagle putt to beat Azahara Munoz in a playoff. She also got hitched, marrying pilot Derek Heath in December. Yet 2014 was also statistically one of her worst years on tour. She finished 22nd on the money list, her lowest ranking in 10 seasons on tour, missed the cut for the first time in a Major and slipped to No. 20 in the world, her lowest position since the rankings made their debut in 2006. In a conference call, she tells The Straits Times how she plans to bounce back. - JONATHAN WONG

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